Taking care of a pet comes with many responsibilities. One of these is providing your fur baby with a comfortable resting place. Dogs need a cozy, supportive bed to relax and recharge like people. But with so many options available, shopping for the perfect dog bed is a challenging task.

This guide will teach you everything you must consider before buying the best dog bed for your fur baby. Continue reading to know more.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bed for a Dog

1. Your Pet’s Requirements

Every day, dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours. That's a lot of time to be still. So, the best way to find a lasting and comfortable bed for your pet is to watch what they do. You should know more about your pet and its attitude, habits, needs, and wants before looking online for the best dog bed. Here are the different aspects to check:

Activity Level

If you have an active pet who enjoys being on the bed, an easy-to-clean mattress may be the best option. Also, get your dog a durable bed that can withstand play and activity.

Age

Due to the ongoing bone and joint development process, younger pets may benefit from a softer bed. An orthopedic bed for a dog may be necessary for older pets to alleviate joint pain.

Breed

The unique requirements of various pet breeds could vary. For instance, larger dogs can benefit from a more durable bed due to the increased pressure they exert. Beds with cooling or heating capabilities may be necessary for certain temperature-sensitive dog breeds.

Preferences

Being aware of your pet's preferences is equally important. Although some pets may choose a flat bed with a raised edge that can support their heads, others may prefer a more traditional shape. Pick the best bed for a dog by paying attention to their likes and dislikes.

Size and Weight

A dog bed's dimensions should reflect the breed. The bed should be big enough so your pet may lie down, stretch out, and snuggle up without discomfort. Additionally, ensure your pet's weight is within the bed's weight capacity.

Sleeping Position

Take note of your pet's usual sleeping posture. Some pets like to snuggle up, while others like a semi-seated posture as a comfortable position. So, before buying a dog bed, consider how your pet sleeps typically to ensure it will be comfortable for them.

2. Dog Bed Types

Now that you know your dog’s preferences, it’s time to go over the different types of beds for dogs you can choose. There are so many available, so to avoid confusion, read on to find which one will fit your pet more.

Cave/Tent Beds

These beds might be a lifesaver for dogs that are frightened or feel cold easily. For a dog who cherishes solitude, these beds provide warmth and safety.

Doughnut Beds

If your dog is the snuggliest kind, you will appreciate this type of round bed for a dog. They are also useful for litters of pups or little dogs that prefer to nap piled up. Ensure it can withstand several washes before investing in one since the covers are often crafted from fluffy, plush material.

Elevated Beds

They feature a metal frame supported by a raised canvas or woven cloth bed. The elevated bed is a great option for dogs who get hot easily or have thick coats. Thanks to the space between the floor and your puppy, they'll remain comfortable.

Heated Dog Beds

On chilly evenings, heated dog beds can be helpful for some dogs, particularly those without thick coats or older dogs with conditions like Hip dysplasia, Arthritis, and Circulation issues. Look for one with a chord that your dog won't chew.

Keep an eye on your dog to ensure he doesn't get too hot on this bed. It would be best to keep your dog from sleeping on a human-sized heating blanket since the temperature can be too hot for your pet.

Mattress Pad Beds

The rectangular design of these beds makes them ideal for your fur baby, who will appreciate the freedom to walk about and change positions as needed. Both storing and transporting this bed type is also easy.

Orthopedic Beds

These beds, crafted from memory foam, alleviate pressure on your senior dog's bones and joints and, in some cases, feature bolsters that run the length of the bed to steady his head. As a general rule, active dogs perform better on orthopedic dog beds. But you can give one to any dog, regardless of age.

Washable Dog Beds

If you want to wash your pet's blankets often, the best choice is a dog bed with a cover that can be removed. These beds typically have a foam core. But, even without a removable cover, you can wash and clean your dog's bed.

Make sure the bed is well-cleaned before putting it in the washing machine. If feasible, use hot water measuring at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to wash the entire bed.

Waterproof Dog Beds

A waterproof bed could be useful if your dog hasn't mastered house training or is incontinent, meaning they can't regulate their bowel movements. Ensure it has a cover that can be easily cleaned without noisy waterproofing material.

3. Size of Dog Beds

Following your decision on the type of dog bed you wish to buy, measure your dog's length from head to tail. This process will save you from purchasing an insufficiently spacious bed for your companion.

The right size for a dog bed allows your pet to lie down in the most comfortable position. Indeed, the bed may appear enough when rolled up, but you should also examine how your pet stretches or rolls about while sleeping.

4. Dog Bed Materials

Observing your dog is likely to provide the best insight into selecting a material for its bed. Here are the most common ones available:

• Memory Foam: For an elderly dog suffering from joint pain, a memory foam bed could be an excellent option. Beds made of memory foam should be at least 2 inches thick, ideally more, as their quality can vary. One good thing about memory foam beds is that they keep their shape well. Most importantly, orthopedic memory foam beds can help older dogs with trouble moving around.
• Foam: Foam mattresses offer a comfortable and inexpensive way to sleep. This material can fit most dogs. Also, you can pick a high-density foam to give your pet the support it needs.
• Cotton: A cotton mattress is often soft, airy, and simple to care for. It won't bother even the most sensitive pets, like those sensitive to heat.
• Faux Leather: Faux leather dog beds are not only attractive and functional, but they are also simple to maintain. However, because they are easily scratched, there may be better choices for pets who enjoy chewing.
• Wool: Wool dog beds keep dogs warm and dry, ideal for harsh winter nights. It’s also known to have natural antibacterial and antiallergenic properties.

5. Sturdiness Against Chewing

Chewing can be a coping mechanism for teething puppies. However, some older dogs may do this to maintain strong jaws and teeth. Or perhaps your dog is simply experiencing some feelings of boredom, tension, or hunger. However, chewing can cause serious damage to beds and pose a risk if swallowed.

Fabric beds stuffed with foam pieces or any other padding might not be the wisest decision if you have a chewer in your household. Some 'gnawy' dogs might be better suited to PVC pipe or aluminum beds and covered in canvas-like material. Some dogs may need constant supervision around beds. Increasing activity and providing engaging toys can help redirect chewing behavior.

6. Budget and Cost

Many styles of good dog beds can range from $35 to $150 or even more. You will be glad you paid this price because it will make your puppy happy, safe, and satisfied in the long run.

7. Design and Quality

You might want a cheap bed, but you will spend more if it breaks after the first wash. Some cheap beds with loose fabric filling are hard to fill again after cleaning the cover. Get a bed with a cover you can easily take off and wash. It will happen more often than you think.

8. Bed Dog Ramps (Optional)

If your dog struggles with stairs or doesn't like them, a dog ramp can be a useful solution. It should be the right height to reach your bed and have a nonslip surface. If space is limited, a foldable ramp is a great option. Training might be necessary for your dog to use the ramp or stairs safely.

 

Where to Place Your Dog’s Bed

Even a high-quality bed for dogs won't be enough to put them to sleep if the room is too hot, cold, or drafty. A radiator, a cooler area, or somewhere they could get underfoot is never a good choice. That’s why you should consider secluded areas where they won't be roused from their slumber and locations far from the entrance, where they could be startled awake.

Both people and dogs can get sick from not getting enough sleep, so you should consider where to put your dogs' beds. Dogs need time to adjust to new resting surroundings before they feel safe enough to sleep soundly, so don't shift their bed too frequently until they're used to it.

 

Benefits of Picking the Right Bed for Your Dog

A good dog bed gives your pet a warm, soft, and comfortable place to sleep for hours. But aside from comfort, there are more benefits you can provide your fur baby to guarantee their health and wellness.

Ensure Better Sleep

To maintain good health, dogs, like people, require enough high-quality sleep. On top of that, research has shown that getting enough sleep can increase your dog's intelligence and memory. This is because when dogs get enough sleep, they can better remember and execute new commands. Getting enough sleep allows puppies to focus more intently on their training.

Also, older dogs and bigger breeds need a little more sleep than younger dogs and smaller breeds, so they need a good night's sleep. For puppies, ensure they have a warm, comfortable place to lie down to help them fall and stay asleep all night.

Spot to Relax

A soft dog bed should feel like a sanctuary, a place where your pet can relax and unwind, far from the chaos of your home. A comfortable resting place is important to dogs because they are den animals.

Getting a high-quality dog bed that's big enough for your canine is important. Beds for little dogs don't work for huge dogs. Your dog will have lots of space to lie down and stretch out. If you want, you can put the bed in your puppy's crate so that your dog has a nice place to go when they're feeling stressed.

Supports Joints

Hip dysplasia, gout, and other joint problems can appear in older dogs. Because getting older means more aches and pains, getting your dog a nice dog bed is important to ease some of the stress on its joints. Young dogs' joints can also benefit from a supporting dog bed, and it will also help them sleep well.

Your dog's body, particularly its joints, can relax in soft, supporting comfort on beds made with specific interlocking fill materials. For arthritic senior dogs, this means less discomfort at night and during daytime naps.

Train Your Dog to Sleep in Their Own

Allowing your dog to sleep with you at night has pros and cons. It can be reassuring to have your canine companion share your bed, and some people even get special beds for their dogs to share a room.

But if your dog snores a lot or takes up too much space in the bed, it can disrupt your sleep. To give your dog their own sleeping space, provide them with a comfy bed and set up a few around the house.

This will make it more likely for them to use their beds instead of yours, reducing dog hair on your furniture as a bonus. Plus, your dog will sleep better and be healthier with a good-quality dog bed.

Easy to Clean

Aside from your pet reaping the benefits of having a good-quality dog bed, you can also take advantage of this good decision. Regular cleaning is crucial as your dog's fur can carry dirt and bugs like fleas. If you want to buy a dog bed, look for one with a cover that you can wash often. This method helps cut down on the amount of germs, dog hair, and dander.

Using a washing machine for cleaning and drying is ideal, especially for puppies and older dogs with incontinence issues. Clean bedding not only ensures hygiene but also fosters a cozy environment for both you and your dog. Keeping your pet's bed clean helps maintain a tidy home that both dogs and their owners can enjoy snuggling up in.

 

Choose the Perfect Bed for Your Fur Baby

Investing time and energy into finding the ideal bed for a dog is money well spent. Make sure your beloved pet has a cozy and supportive spot to sleep by thinking about things like size, sleeping style, material, durability, cost, age, and health.

If you need something modern, check out this dog bed with its minimalist and functional design to help your furbaby relax.